Enforce Tac 2026 – Germany’s leading trade fair for internal and external security is set to take place in Nuremberg from 23 to 25 February 2026. As part of the event, the Enforce Tac Conference on 23 February complements the trade fair activities by providing a separate forum for the latest key technologies. The conference will focus on electronic systems, sensors, drone defence, intelligent systems, and strategic issues relating to the development of modern defence and security technologies.
The Enforce Tac Conference is specifically geared towards developers, project managers and technology decision-makers from industry and research establishments, as well as representatives of the armed forces and security agencies. It provides a compact overview of the latest technological trends, specific use cases, and regulatory frameworks, creating a platform for direct dialogue between the various players who are helping to shape Europe’s future security. “With the Enforce Tac Conference, we are creating a hub where technological expertise converges with practical requirements and strategic perspectives,” explains Jasmin Rutka, Exhibition Director Enforce Tac, adding: “Especially when it comes to electronic and software-based systems, we are seeing significant pressure to innovate and a clear need for communication between developers, industry stakeholders, and end-users.”
Technological responses to current security requirements
The conference programme comprises four keynotes, 16 presentations and two panel discussions, covering a wide range of topics including innovative sensor solutions, drone defence solutions, and AI-assisted systems. The diverse keynotes and presentations explore topics such as software-defined defence concepts, multi-sensor reconnaissance technologies, resilient communication structures, and the role of intelligent systems in mission-critical applications.
The four keynotes address pivotal technological and strategic developments that are currently shaping the industry. The opening keynote is “Software-defined defence – enabler for combat-ready digital armed forces” by Brigadier-General Dr Volker Pötzsch from the German Ministry of Defence. The presentation will focus on the paradigm for software-defined capabilities as the basis for adaptable, resilient, and interoperable military systems. In this context, it will explore open architectures, modular platform approaches, and the role of artificial intelligence as a driver of future defence capability development.
Next up is Alexander Philipp, Managing Director of Rohde & Schwarz Vertriebs GmbH, who will talk about the changes to the underlying industrial policy framework. “As the defence sector will be exempt from the prescribed borrowing limits within the scope of the ‘turning point 2.0’ structural reform, the security and defence industry is now in a position to make long-term investments,” stresses Philipp, identifying the factors he sees as necessary for the success of such investments: “Swift order placement and economic predictability, alongside technical flexibility, are important and beneficial for all stakeholders.”
In his keynote in the early afternoon, Dr. Markus Reisner, Colonel of the Austrian Army, explores the impacts of modern battlefields on military operational realities. In particular, he describes FPV (First Person View) drones and electronic warfare (EW) as ‘scourges of the modern battlefield’ that are currently posing enormous challenges for the armed forces involved in the conflict in Ukraine. In his presentation, Dr. Reisner provides details of how these capabilities are being used and suggests possible responses to them.
The final keynote by Professor Patrick Glauner from skyrocket.ai is ‘AI in the defence industry: technology, strategies, opportunities and regulatory challenges’. In his presentation, he shows how artificial intelligence is increasingly transforming the defence industry – from planning, data analysis and decision support to autonomous systems. At the same time, he explores technological, strategic and ethical issues as well as regulatory frameworks for the use of AI, while highlighting the role played by governments, industry and academia in its responsible implementation.
Strategic debates on the future of the European security industry
The two panel discussions at the Enforce Tac Conference provide a distinctive highlight. Under the heading ‘Quantity or quality? What European defence needs most’, representatives of industry, consultancies and the research community discuss the technological and industrial priorities that Europe should focus on in the light of the current security climate. This involves finding a balance between fast scaling of capabilities, technological excellence, and sustainable innovative strength.
The second discussion panel is devoted to the interplay between industry and innovation, with a focus on technological developments, innovation cycles, and the role of startups, SMEs and established system companies in an increasingly interconnected security industry environment. Accordingly, both panels address key aspects that are crucial to the long-term capabilities of the European security and defence industry.
As Professor Patrick Glauner, who serves as both a keynote speaker and panel member to discuss Europe’s future technological capabilities, underlines: “I hope that the Enforce Tac Conference will engender a genuine spirit of optimism and that the attendees will realise that AI can be adopted quickly and without the huge costs that are often expected. With the right experts on board and suitable best practices, AI can be used quickly and relatively inexpensively. If the conference succeeds in bringing these people together, it will have been an immense success.”
Bridge between research, industry and end-users
Alongside technological innovations, the conference will also look at overarching issues, e.g., relating to product development, regulatory frameworks like export controls, and resilient supply chains. “Intelligent systems are the key components of modern security and defence technologies. The conference aims to discuss technological solutions, identify areas of application, and bring together experts from various industries,” explains Professor Axel Sikora, Chairman of the Enforce Tac Conference.
A compact format delivering high-level expertise
As a one-day format, the Enforce Tac Conference offers a compact, densely structured programme with keynotes, specialist presentations, and discussion formats. Q&A sessions allow direct contact with speakers, while networking breaks are specifically designed to facilitate conversations between developers, system integrators, suppliers, and users. The conference is therefore not just an addition to the exhibition but a key professional dialogue forum within Enforce Tac.
Visitors need a separate conference ticket to take part in the Enforce Tac Conference. This ticket provides access to the Enforce Tac trade fair on all three days. Places are limited.
Please note: This event is restricted to members of the armed forces and official security and law enforcement agencies and organisations.
www.enforcetac.com/en/visit
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